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Academic ProgramsBFA with a Concentration in Music Theatre
Benefits of a BFA in Music Theatre
MSU Denver’s BFA in Music Theatre is an intensive pre-professional program. Music Theatre provides rich opportunities for performing. These experiences are provided both in class and onstage as well as through on-campus productions, and internships at local theatres.
Taught by veteran teachers who are also theatre and performance professionals, you will receive the kind of mentoring you need to make your way as an actor, as well as discover ways to use your Theatre training in other fields.
Meet the BFA Coordinator
Carrie Colton
Carrie Colton (she/they) is an actor, director, choreographer, and musician originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. They hold a BFA in Classical Acting from Southern Utah University and an MFA in Directing/Choreography from Florida State University.
As an actor, Carrie has performed in two international tours: My Fair Lady (Eliza) and Annie (Miss Hannigan), as well as several regional theatres around the country. Some of her favorite directing/choreography credits include Hairspray with the Fusion Academy of Hong Kong, Peter Pan with the Jacksonville Opera Theatre, Twelfth Night with the North Dakota Shakespeare Festival, The Tempest with Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, Scarlet Pimpernel with The Candlelight, and Matilda with Town Hall Arts Center. Carrie is a certified stage combat teacher through Dueling Arts International and holds additional certificates in clowning (LA School of Clowning) and Intimacy Direction (Theatrical Intimacy Education). She is a True West Award-winning Choreographer and also won the American Prize for best direction for her devised piece Identity: An Origin Story.
Carrie is currently the Artistic Director at Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids and the Actors Academy where she has directed/choreographed Godspell, Pippin, Peter Pan, Matilda, and several devised pieces. At Metro she has directed/choreographed The Servant of Two Masters, Macbeth, Pippin, Bright Star, and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. She is also the coordinator of the BFA in Music Theatre program and advises FOUND Theatre and the Stage Combat club.
Insta/Tiktok: carrie_ography.
Main Stage Performances
Concentration in Music Theatre Information
These are some of the opportunities you might have as an MSU Denver Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Music Theatre:
Perform in theatre areas on campus. Complete an internship with a local theatre company. MSU Denver’s B.F.A. in Theatre degree program will help you develop artistically and professionally in class and beyond through the following:
- Four major MSU Denver productions a year, including two musicals mounted in collaboration with the MSU Denver Music Department. All MSU Denver students are welcome to audition and it is required by all Music Theatre Majors
- Local, regional and national conferences for theatre and performing arts students
- Music Review Showcase for Music Theatre BFA students
- 16 Student-directed One Acts each semester with auditions open to both students and community members
- Required internship at places such as the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Creede Repertory Theatre, Curious Theatre Company, Glimmering Glass Opera, Rocky Mountain Theatre For Kids (RMTK) and The Actors Academy for The Performing Arts (AAPA)
- Weekly rehearsals and coaching with BFA Coordinator and accompanying pianist
Facilities and Resources
As a Theatre major you will perform in the King Center performing arts complex, one of the country’s most adaptive and accessible performance venues
Plus you will have easy access to Denver’s performing arts community. The MSU Denver campus is located just walking distance from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex, which houses the Buell Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex and Boettcher Concert Hall.
Accreditation
The Department of Theatre at MSU Denver is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the national accrediting agency for theatre and theatre-related disciplines. Only two universities in Colorado have this distinction.
Music Theatre Details
BFA/MT PROGRAM APPLICATION: BFA Music Theatre Program Application
NOTE: Admittance to the BFA/MT program requires 1. an Application, 2. a Music Department Audition, and 3. a Theatre Department Audition and Interview. Deadlines are listed on the BFA Music Theatre Program Application. Contact Carrie Colton at [email protected] for more information.
BFA in Theatre with a Concentration in Music Theatre: Additional information and Application Process
- The BFA in Music Theatre is for any student who seeks to work as a performer in the commercial arts and entertainment industry. Some students go on for post-graduate studies or into associated disciplines.
- Students graduate with a complete portfolio (including photos, resumes, monologues, and music) designed to allow them to audition in a variety of formats and music theatre styles. Majors are required to participate in two productions each year either onstage, backstage, or helping in either the scene or costume shop.
General Expectations for BFA/MT
- Attend every MSU Denver production.
- Audition for every mainstage production.
- Participate in two (2) mainstage productions every academic year.
- Attend mandatory coaching sessions (Fridays from 2pm-4pm).
- Be a BFA in Theatre for at least two full years (four semesters not including summers).
- Fulfill the requirements of the BFA/MT Handbook upon entry into the program.
- Maintain a C- average in all theatre and all associated program classes (including music and dance). Maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA average overall as MSU Denver’s graduation requirement.
- Complete 120 total hours (including 40 upper-division hours and completion of all general studies requirements).
- Students admitted to the BFA/MT are not required to complete a minor.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR BFA/MT
- ALL BFA/MT MAJORS MUST APPLY, AUDITION, AND INTERVIEW BEFORE BEING ACCEPTED INTO THE DEGREE PROGRAM.
- ALL TRANSFER STUDENTS are required to fulfill two (2) years (four semesters not including summers) in either BFA programs after acceptance.
- All applicants should be able to demonstrate some level of competency, experience and/or educational training in theatre and music prior to acceptance into the program.
- Apply BFA Music Theatre Program Application
- Audition for the Music Department
- Audition for the Theatre Department
- Participate in an interview.
Contact: Carie Colton at [email protected]
Advising and Application
Advising Sheet: Theatre BFA MT Advising Sheet 2023-2024
Advising Sheet: Theatre BFA MT Advising Sheet 2022-2023
4-Year Sample Curriculum Plan: BFA MT Curriculum Plan
BFA Music Theatre Application: MSU Theatre BFA MT Application